Prime Minister Balendra Shah Named in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2026
TIME Magazine has included Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah in its 2026 list of 100 most influential people, highlighting his rise and leadership.
TIME Magazine has included Balendra Shah in its list of the 100 Most Influential People of 2026.
The magazine highlighted Shah, 35, as a former hip-hop artist turned politician, describing him as one of the youngest prime ministers and a figure bringing a new wave to South Asian politics.
According to TIME, Shah’s rise reflects strong support from the younger generation and growing dissatisfaction with traditional political parties and systems in Nepal.
The publication also recalled his tenure as Mayor of Kathmandu, where he gained attention for reforms in waste management, education, and healthcare sectors. As Prime Minister, expectations remain high among citizens for effective governance and transformative leadership.